Electric assist bike, energetic child give dad an easy ride

While waiting at a traffic light near Setagaya Koen this morning I noticed a father and daughter on an electric assist bicycle. OK, nothing unusual about that. But in this mornings case it was the little girl, no more than 6 years old, who was doing the pedaling. Dad sat back on the seat, hands on the handle bars, legs dangling, while the daughter stood on the pedals in front of him propelling the bike forwards.

I don't have any idea how long she can keep that up, but the denki assist bike certainly must be giving a fair amount of assistance.

Byron Kidd is the founder of the Tokyo By Bike website, writer, experienced urban cyclist, and expert on cycling in the staggering metropolis of Tokyo.

Working with NPO's and cycling activists to improve cycling infrastructure in Japan, Byron also operates internationally via a vast network of renowned urban mobility experts to promote Japanese cycling culture and demonstrate how everyday cycling can work in megacities around the world. No city is too big for the bicycle.